U.S. patent application number 13/410574 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for systems and methods of controlling pressure maintenance pumps and data logging pump operations.
Invention is credited to Douglas A. Stephens.
Application Number | 20120230846 13/410574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46795748 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120230846 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stephens; Douglas A. |
September 13, 2012 |
Systems and Methods of Controlling Pressure Maintenance Pumps and
Data Logging Pump Operations
Abstract
Example devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein relate to
controlling operation of a jockey pump of a fire pump system. A
jockey pump controller may include an electronic circuit board
configured to receive a signal indicating a pressure value, and to
compare the pressure value to a threshold for initiating operation
of a jockey pump. The jockey pump controller may further include
memory configured to store event statistics indicating information
regarding past operation of the jockey pump. Additional example
devices, systems, and methods are described herein.
Inventors: |
Stephens; Douglas A.; (Cary,
NC) |
Family ID: |
46795748 |
Appl. No.: |
13/410574 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61449202 |
Mar 4, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/279 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 41/06 20130101;
A62C 35/60 20130101; F04B 23/04 20130101; F04B 51/00 20130101; A62C
3/00 20130101; F04B 49/065 20130101; F04B 49/08 20130101; A62C
37/50 20130101; F04B 2205/03 20130101; A62C 37/04 20130101; F04B
2205/05 20130101; F04B 49/022 20130101; A62C 35/58 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/279 |
International
Class: |
F04B 49/00 20060101
F04B049/00 |
Claims
1. A programmable maintenance pump controller for controlling
operation of a maintenance pump residing within a pump system, the
pump controller comprising: an electronic circuit board comprising
a programmable microprocessor, the microprocessor configured to
receive a signal indicating a pressure value, and to compare the
pressure value to a threshold for initiating operation of a
maintenance pump; and a memory operatively configured to the
programmable microprocessor, the memory used to store event
statistics that are representative of maintenance pump
operation.
2. The pump controller of claim 1, wherein the circuit board is
configured to receive inputs from a serial communication
interface.
3. The pump controller of claim 1 further comprising an
input/output (I/O) expansion board operatively coupled to the
electronic circuit board.
4. The pump controller of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit
board includes a graphics display driver, a relay output, a digital
interface, an analog input interface, and a keypad interface.
5. The pump controller of claim 1, wherein the pump controller is
configured to instruct the pump to continue to run until it
receives a signal from the electronic circuit board indicating that
the pressure value is above the threshold and a minimum run timer
has expired, whichever occurs last.
6. The pump controller of claim 1, further comprising a pressure
transducer configured to generate a signal based on a pressure of
the pump system.
7. The pump controller of claim 1, wherein the pump controller is
configured to instruct the pump to run after receiving the pump run
signal from the electronic circuit board and after an on-delay time
has expired.
8. The pump controller of claim 1, wherein the event statistics
include an indication of when the pump was operated and a run-time
of the pump.
9. The jockey pump controller of claim 1, wherein the event
statistics comprises a historical data log of certain operational
conditions of the pump.
10. The pump controller of claim 1 wherein the event statistics
comprises cycle data history of at least the maintenance pump.
11. The pump controller of claim 1, wherein the event statistics
can be retrieved through the communications interface.
12. The pump controller of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure
that is configured to house the electronic circuit board wherein
the enclosure further comprises a door and further comprising a
user accessible door mounted touch screen display.
13. The pump controller of claim 1 wherein the pump controller is
programmed to allow the controller to operates at least two
maintenance pumps within the system.
14. The pump controller of claim 13 wherein the pump controller
maintains event statistics of the two or more pumps within the
system.
15. The pump controller of claim 1 further comprising a
programmable timer.
16. The pump controller of claim 1 further comprising a phase
monitoring interface.
17. The pump controller of claim 16 wherein the phase monitoring
interface is provided by an expansion board.
18. The pump controller of claim 16 wherein the monitoring
interface provides pulsed digital signals to the microcontroller,
these pulsed digital signals indicative of a power line
characteristic.
19. A computer readable storage medium having stored therein
instructions executable by a computing device to cause the
computing device to control operation of a jockey pump of a fire
pump system, where the instructions are effective to cause the
computing device to perform the functions of: receiving at an
electronic circuit board a signal indicating a pressure value;
comparing the pressure value to a threshold for initiating
operation of a jockey pump; providing the pump run signal to the
jockey pump; and storing event statistics indicating information
regarding past operation of the jockey pump.
20. A computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the
event statistics include an indication of when the jockey pump was
operated and a run-time of the jockey pump.
21. A computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the
event statistics include a historical data log of operation of the
jockey pump.
22. A method of controlling operation of a jockey pump of a fire
pump system, the method comprising: receiving at an electronic
circuit board a signal indicating a pressure value; comparing the
pressure value to a threshold for initiating operation of a jockey
pump; providing the pump run signal to the jockey pump; and storing
event statistics indicating information regarding past operation of
the jockey pump.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising recording a
time-stamped system pressure value at predetermined intervals.
Description
FIELD OF THE PRESENT PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This present patent application relates to a programmable
controller for a pressure maintenance pump or make-up pump, also
referred to generally in the art as a jockey pump. More
specifically, the present patent application is directed to systems
and methods for controlling such maintenance pumps and data logging
its operation within a pump system, such as a fire pump system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A fire protection system may comprise a sprinkler system
and/or a standpipe system. A sprinkler system is an active fire
protection measure that provides adequate pressure and flow to a
water distribution piping system, onto which a plurality of fire
sprinklers are connected. Each closed-head sprinkler can be
triggered once an ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches
a design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler head.
In a standard wet-pipe sprinkler system, each sprinkler activates
independently when the predetermined heat level is reached. Because
of this, the number of sprinklers that operate is limited to only
those near the fire, thereby maximizing the available water
pressure over the point of fire origin. A standpipe system is
another type of fire protection measure consisting of a network of
vertical piping installed in strategic locations within a
multi-story building for delivering large volumes of water to any
floor of the building to supply firefighter's hose lines.
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a prior art fire
protection system 100. The fire pump 102 boosts the water pressure
of the water supply by transferring energy to the water. The
increase in water pressure acts to move the water into the fire
protection system 120. The fire pump controller 108 serves to
automatically govern, in some predetermined manner, the starting
and stopping of the fire pump driver 102 and to monitor and signal
the status and condition of the fire pump unit consisting of a fire
pump and driver 102, the controller 108, and accessories. The
pressure maintenance pump 106 serves to maintain the pressure on
the fire protection system 120 between preset limits when the fire
pump is not flowing water. The pressure maintenance pump controller
110 serves to automatically govern, in some pre-determined manner,
the starting and stopping of the maintenance pump 106 and to
monitor and signal the status and condition of the maintenance pump
unit consisting of a maintenance pump and driver 106 and controller
110. Check valves 121 are used in the fire pump installation to
allow the flow of water in one direction only for the purpose of
building pressure in the fire protection system 120. Check valves
are installed between the outlets of each of the pumps and the fire
protection system. Gate valves 122 are installed on the inlets and
outlets of each of the pumps and are used to isolate either of the
two pumps from the fire protection system for maintenance
purposes.
[0004] The output of this maintenance pump is connected to the
system side of the check valve in a typical fire pump installation.
The pump's main function is to maintain system water pressure by
automatically cycling between pressure set points. That is, the
pump will maintain water pressure in the fire protection system by
automatically cycling on and off between predetermined, independent
START and STOP pressure settings. In this way, the jockey pump
functions to make up for small leaks in the system and thereby
helps to prevent the larger fire pump from nuisance cycling.
Ordinarily, then, the START and STOP settings of the jockey pump
are set well above those of the fire pump so that the jockey is
cycling to maintain pressure against normal leaks.
[0005] The fire pump installation 100 includes a fire pump 102 that
is connected to a water supply 104 by way of a gate valve. The
water supply 104 provides water flow at a pressure to sprinkler
system risers and hose standpipes. Generally, fire pumps are needed
when the water supply cannot provide sufficient pressure to meet
hydraulic design requirements of the fire sprinkler system. This
usually occurs in a building that is tall, such as in high-rise
buildings, or in systems that require a relatively high terminal
pressure at the fire sprinkler to provide a large volume of water,
such as in storage warehouses.
[0006] The fire pump 102 starts when a pressure in the fire
protection system 120 drops below a certain predetermined start
pressure (low pressure). The pressure in the fire protection system
120 may drop significantly when one or more fire sprinklers are
exposed to heat above their design temperature, and opens,
releasing water. Alternately, fire hose connections to standpipe
systems may be opened by firefighters causing a pressure drop in
the fire protection system. The fire pump 102 may have a rating
between 3 and 3500 horsepower (HP).
[0007] The fire pump installation 100 also includes a pressure
maintenance pump 106 (also may be referred to herein as a make-up
pump or a jockey pump). This pump is intended to maintain pressure
in a fire protection system so that the larger fire pump 102 does
not need to constantly run. For example, the jockey pump 106
maintains pressure to an artificial level so that the operation of
a single fire sprinkler will cause a pressure drop that will be
sensed by a fire pump controller 108, causing the fire pump 102 to
start. The jockey pump 106 may have a rating between 1/4 and 100
horsepower (HP).
[0008] The jockey pump 106 may maintain pressure above the pressure
settings of the larger fire pump 102, so as to prevent the main
fire pump from starting intermittently. For example, the jockey
pump 106 provides makeup water pressure for normal leakage within
the system (such as packing on valves, seepage at joints, leaks at
fire hydrants), and inadvertent use of water from the water supply.
When the fire pump 102 starts, a signal may be sent to an alarm
system of the building to trigger the fire alarm. Nuisance
operation of the fire pump 102 eventually causes fire department
intervention. Nuisance operation of the fire pump 102 also
increases wear on the main fire pump 102. Thus, it is generally
desired to either reduce and/or avoid any nuisance or unintended
operation of the fire pump 102.
[0009] In the United States, the application of the jockey pump 106
in a fire protection system is provided by NFPA 20: Standard for
the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, which
prohibits a main fire pump or secondary fire pump from being used
as a pressure maintenance pump.
[0010] Each of the fire pump 102 and the jockey pump 106 include a
pump controller 108 and 110, which may comprise a
microprocessor-based controller that can be used to adjust start
and stop set points.
[0011] As just one example, as early as January 2001,
microprocessor-based jockey pump controllers were provided by
Firetrol, Inc. of Cary, N.C. These microprocessor-based pump
controllers or jockey pump controllers were typically housed in an
industrial enclosure, included a digital display and received
pressure information by way of a solid state pressure sensor,
typically via 1-5 Vdc. Such digital controllers were used to
monitor water pressure in the fire protection system, and also
allowed user manipulation of certain programmable pumping
operations for the control of one, two (duplex) or three (triplex)
booster pump systems. Using the electronic pressure monitors, water
pressure can be measured with a pressure transducer providing an
output of 1-5 Vdc for ranges of 0-300 and 0-600 psi. Operation of
the one to three pumps could be independently controlled via
programmable digital set points. Such digital set points for each
pump include start and stop pressures, and on-delay, minimum run,
and off-delay timers. An additional output is provided for a call
to start indicating a low pressure condition, and a remote
stop/reset input is provided for reset of all timing functions. The
digital pressure monitor may be configured for use in simplex,
duplex, triplex, and pump up or pump down applications.
[0012] The jockey pump controller 110 may have a start pressure set
point of approximately five to ten pounds per square inch greater
than the start pressure set point in the fire pump controller 108.
In this manner, the jockey pump controller 110 cycles the jockey
pump 106 to maintain the system at a predetermined pressure well
above the start setting of fire pump 102 so that the fire pump only
runs when a fire occurs or the jockey pump 106 is overcome by a
larger than normal loss in system pressure.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art microprocessor based duplex
jockey pump controller 200, such as the Firetrol electronic
pressure monitor sold under the tradename of "Digital Pressure
Monitor FTA470." This prior art jockey pump controller 200 includes
a solid state electronic pressure transducer 202 connected to three
analog input pins on the microprocessor controller 204. The
pressure transducer measures water pressure and provides an output
signal of 1-5 Vdc to the microprocessor controller 204. For
example, such solid state pressure transducer could comprise the
Model SP975 manufactured by Senso-Metrix. The microprocessor
controller 204 outputs a lag pump start/stop signal, a lead pump
start/stop signal, and a pump run signal.
[0014] The jockey pump controller 200 provides for programmable
timing functions, pressure set points, offset and scaling
calibration, and pump up and pump down options. Lag and lead pump
output signals are provided to energize relays for starting their
pumps when pressure drops below a start pressure set point and
remain energized until pressure is satisfied at a stop pressure set
point. On-delay timers may be programmed in microprocessor
controller 200 to provide time delays in starting the pumps upon a
call to start (i.e., low pressure). Since these timers are reset if
pressure returns to stop pressure, on-delay timers are often used
to provide a sincerity check on low pressure for eliminating
nuisance starting due to pressure excursions in the fire protection
system.
[0015] The prior art jockey pump controller 200 further comprises a
digital panel display. FIG. 3 is an illustration of the prior art
digital panel display that may be used with certain prior art
microprocessor jockey pump controllers, such as the controller
illustrated in FIG. 1. The digital panel display comprises one or
more LED indicators. Such LED indicators could be used for a single
digit pump number, a four digit pressure, and a red LED for setup
mode, a green LED for run mode, a red LED indicating a call to
start (low pressure) in the run mode, a yellow LED indicating
on-delay timing sequence in run mode, a yellow LED indicating
minimum run timing sequence in the run mode, a yellow LED
indicating off-delay timing sequence in the run mode, a green LED
indicating stop pressure in the run mode, and a green LED
indicating AC power is on. The digital panel display also includes
buttons to program the jockey pump controller, such as pump select,
mode select, up/down selection arrows, and enter. A second single
digit LED display (Pump No.) is provided to indicate which pump is
being monitored in a multiple jockey pump installation. A modbus RS
485 serial communications port is provided for the transmission of
the pressure value and pressure set points to a master host.
[0016] In operation, relays of these prior art electronic digital
pressure monitors operate independently based upon an individual
start and stop pressure set points. In a system configured for pump
up, such as a jockey pump application, the monitor illuminates the
"start" LED when system pressure falls below the start set point
(low pressure). The pressure monitor energizes the relay to run the
first pump provided the on-delay timer is set to zero seconds. If
the on-delay timer is set greater than zero, the monitor
illuminates the "on delay" LED to start the on-delay timing
sequence and delays starting the first pump for the on-delay
period. The on-delay timer is immediately reset if pressure becomes
satisfied. If the minimum run timer is set to a value greater than
zero minutes, the monitor illuminates the "min. run" LED to start
the timing sequence and runs the pump for the minimum run period.
At the end the minimum run period, the monitor extinguishes the LED
and de-energizes the relay to shut off the first pump provided that
system pressure is satisfied. Otherwise, the monitor continues
running the first pump until pressure is satisfied. If the
off-delay timer is set to a value greater than zero minutes, the
monitor illuminates the "off-delay" LED to start the off-delay
timing sequence after pressure is satisfied. The monitor continues
running the pump until the off-delay time expires whereupon the
monitor de-energizes the relay to shut off the first pump.
Off-delay and minimum run timers are mutually exclusive. To prevent
short cycling, a default run time may be used. Additional pumps
operate in the same manner with independent start and stop set
points.
[0017] Although such known prior art microprocessor based
controllers offered certain advantages based, in part, on their
microprocessor based control, such known prior art microprocessor
based devices had certain limitations. For example, one drawback of
such early digital microprocessor based jockey pump controllers was
that they offered limited ability to help maintenance staff with
identifying and potentially diagnosing certain causes of
intermittent or frequent maintenance pump cycling. For example,
such early microprocessor based devices did not provide a method or
manner that would allow the controller to log or store certain
operating events. As such, it was often time difficult to identify
or trace certain system events that would cause the pump to cycle
intermittently or perhaps cause the pump motor and hence the pump
to trip off due to certain power or electrical failures. As such,
by providing certain data event logging features, it would be
beneficial to have certain event logging features that could be
user accessible so that certain operating conditions (such as
continuous jockey pump cycling or undetermined controller shutdown)
relative to jockey pump cycling could be captured for trending and
analysis. Such information could also beneficially include
controller event information related to how the pump cycles during
a certain time of day, during a certain time of week, or even
during a defined period of time (e.g., during the first week of a
winter holiday). Being able to monitor when and how often such a
jockey pump cycles and characterize the jockey pump operating
conditions during certain time periods could also prove quite
beneficial for correct identification and diagnosis of certain
maintenance requirements. For example, early diagnostics of causes
of varying pressure levels may reduce the amount of time required
to diagnose a potential problem that could prevent a future event
causing the fire pump to being cycling and causing nuisance
problems associated therewith. In addition, enhanced diagnostics by
way of event logging and data tracking may also help identify
certain operational concerns that may manifest themselves into a
potentially catastrophic fire pump system failure. As such,
controller event logging and data tracking may help avoid a costly
and undesired downtime of the fire pumping system as a whole. Of
course, enhanced diagnostics could also help reduce the amount of
time that may be required to bring a fire pump system back on line.
Enhanced diagnostics could also help reduce installation time and
costs where problems can be quickly identified and resolved.
[0018] Another advantage of such data and event tracking would also
help the long term function of such a pump system, such as a fire
pump system, so that leaks and other causes affecting the jockey
pump cycle operation could be efficiently and more easily
identified thus increasing the life span of the overall system.
[0019] In addition, there is general need for enhanced data
communications, particularly in a fire pump system and therefore in
the fire pump control room. For example, a jockey pump controller
having enhanced digital communications capability could also prove
quite useful. For example, such enhanced data communications would
allow the controller to communicate in real time certain event
history data that it accumulates thus allowing either local or
remote communication of this data. That is, maintenance and
operational diagnostic information could be communicated remotely
to a central location such as a local or a regional maintenance
center for fire pump system operational control and maintenance. By
providing a jockey pump controller with an enhanced data
communications module would allow the controller to communicate via
a host of digital communication protocols such as, but not limited
to Modbus, Modbus Ethernet, CAN, CANOpen, wireless Ethernet,
DeviceNet, ProfiBus, BACNet, ARCNet, ZigBee, Bluetooth, and other
similar protocol structures.
[0020] In addition, there is also a growing demand for increased
record keeping data, data gathering, and storage thereby reducing
the overall time and upkeep required to maintain a fire pump
system. Also, enhanced record keeping can help trouble shoot
certain events that may occur in fire pump systems, such as the
system illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0021] In addition, in certain critical applications, there is a
growing need for three phase voltage monitoring of pumping systems,
especially those systems installed on or near weak or unstable
power grids. In such critical applications, such voltage monitoring
could be used to provide protection against premature equipment
and/or pump failure caused by phase reversal. Inadvertent phase
reversal in certain critical applications, such as in a fire pump
system, could have potentially disastrous consequences where
certain pump motors are driven in a reverse direction. In addition,
such desired three phase voltage monitoring could also be used to
provide protection against phase loss, phase reversal, over or
under voltage, unbalanced voltage and short cycling. There is,
therefore, a general need for a dependable fault sensing and remote
alarm annunciation that can be provided by way of a maintenance
pump controller, such as a jockey pump controller. In addition,
there is also a demand for remote alarm monitoring of pump fail to
start and pump motor overload conditions.
SUMMARY
[0022] Example devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein
relate to controlling the operation and/or event and data logging
of a maintenance pump, such as a jockey pump of a fire pump
installation system. In one example, a jockey pump controller for
controlling operation of a jockey pump of a fire pump system is
provided. The jockey pump controller comprises at least one
electronic circuit board comprising a programmable microcontroller
that is configured to receive a signal indicating a pressure value,
and convert it to a digital or binary pressure value. The
controller compares the pressure value to at least one threshold
where this threshold may be used for initiating operation of a
jockey pump by way of a motor, such as a three phase motor. A
memory is operatively configured to the programmable microprocessor
and may be used to store event statistics representative of
maintenance pump operation.
[0023] In one preferred alternative arrangement, the jockey pump
controller may further comprise an input/output (I/O) expansion
module (also an electronic circuit board) that may be directly or
indirectly coupled to the electronic circuit board (CPU) of the
controller. This input/output (I/O) expansion module or board may
be configured for providing the user with remote alarm monitoring
capability. The jockey pump controller may further comprise a
separate or integral memory device or module that can be configured
to store event statistics and other related historical data that
can be used to indicate certain information regarding past
operation of the jockey pump thus providing enhanced diagnostics,
trouble shooting advantages and other related time saving
features.
[0024] In other examples, a computer readable storage medium having
stored therein instructions executable by a computing device to
cause the computing device to control operation of a jockey pump of
a fire pump installation system is provided. The instructions may
be effective to cause the computing device to perform the functions
of receiving at an electronic circuit board a signal indicating a
pressure value, and comparing the pressure value to a threshold for
initiating operation of a jockey pump. In one example, the
functions may further comprise receiving at an input/output (I/O)
expansion board coupled to the electronic circuit board for
providing the user with remote alarm monitoring capability. In some
examples, the functions further comprise storing event statistics
indicating information regarding past operation of the jockey
pump.
[0025] In additional examples, a method of controlling operation of
a jockey pump of a fire pump system is provided. The method may
comprise receiving at an electronic circuit board a signal
indicating a pressure value, and comparing the pressure value to a
threshold for initiating operation of a jockey pump. In one
example, the method may further comprise receiving at an
input/output (I/O) expansion board coupled to the electronic
circuit board for providing the user with remote alarm monitoring
capability. In some examples, the method may comprise storing event
statistics indicating information regarding past operation of the
jockey pump.
[0026] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art fire protection
system;
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art microprocessor based duplex
jockey pump controller;
[0029] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the prior art digital panel
display that may be used along with the microprocessor jockey pump
controller illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example system
configured to maintain water pressure within a pump system;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a
pump controller system configured to control a jockey pump to
maintain water pressure within a water system.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an illustrative embodiment of a
method for operating a jockey pump controller;
[0033] FIG. 7A illustrates an example jockey pump controller with
electronic controls and a motor power train housed in an
enclosure;
[0034] FIG. 7B illustrates an example home screen display of a
jockey pump controller, such as the controller illustrated in FIG.
7A;
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrate an example electronic control board;
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates an example I/O expansion board;
[0037] FIG. 10 is an example exploded view of an electronic circuit
board assembly;
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates an example Graphical User Interface
providing navigation through the screens in the "Main Menu" for the
operation of a jockey pump controller; and
[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates the screens in the "System Setup"
sub-menu of the "Main Menu" in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged,
substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated
herein.
[0041] Example devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein
relate to controlling and monitoring operation of a pump of a pump
system, such as a jockey pump of a fire pump system. In one
illustrated arrangement, a jockey pump controller may include an
electronic circuit board configured to receive a signal indicating
a pressure value, and to compare the pressure value to a set point
for initiating operation of a jockey pump. The jockey pump
controller may further include an input/output (I/O) expansion
board coupled to the electronic circuit board for providing the
user with remote alarm monitoring capability. The jockey pump
controller may further include memory configured to store event
statistics indicating information regarding past operation of the
jockey pump. Additional example devices, systems, and methods are
described herein.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example system 400
configured to maintain water pressure within a fire water system,
such as the system 120 illustrated in FIG. 1. In some examples, the
system 400 may include one or more functional or physical
components such as a pressure transducer 402, a pump controller
404, a control transformer 406, three-phase incoming line 408, and
a motor 410. One or more of the described functions or physical
components may be divided up into additional functional or physical
components, or combined into fewer functional or physical
components.
[0043] In some further examples, additional functional and/or
physical components may be added to the examples illustrated by
FIG. 4. As just one example, as illustrated, the three-phase
incoming line 408 may comprise a three phase incoming line 200-600
Vac 50/60 Hz. This incoming line is preferably coupled directly to
a motor protector that may comprise a three phase circuit breaker
along with adequate overload protection. As also illustrated, the
motor may be provided with a three phase contactor. The transformer
406 may comprise a 24 Volt control transformer and include fuse
protection.
[0044] The pressure transducer 402 is configured to generate a
signal as a function of an imposed pressure. For example, returning
to FIG. 1, this imposed pressure may be the pressure being
monitored on the fire protection system 120 of the pump. As such,
the pressure transducer 402 may be positioned at an inlet of a pump
in a water system to generate signals as a function of a suction
pressure at the inlet of the pump, a discharge pressure at the
outlet of a pump, an overall system pressure, or other water
pressure, for example. The pressure transducer 402 may be any kind
of pressure sensor, and can measure pressure based on any type,
such as absolute pressure, a gauge pressure, a differential
pressure, or a sealed pressure, for example.
[0045] The pressure transducer 402 may be an electronic pressure
sensor using a LVDT coupled to a bourdon tube and can be configured
to provide user selectable start and stop pressure settings. In
other examples, the pressure transducer 402 may be a solid state
pressure sensing device, an electromechanical pressure sensing
device, or a combination of the two. As just one example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,577,890, entitled "Solid State Pump Control And Protection
System" (Issue date Nov. 26, 1996), discloses one type of solid
state pressure transducer and is herein entirely incorporated by
reference and to which the reader is directed for further
information. As disclosed in this prior art reference, one such
solid state pressure transducer comprises a semiconductor pressure
transducer that includes an integrated circuit which is described
as having a four resistor bridge implanted on a silicon membrane,
such as part no. 24PCGFM1G available from Micro Switch of Freeport,
Ill. (see e.g., Col. 5 Lines 13-16). Alternatively, the solid state
pressure transducer Model SP975 from Senso-Metrix may also be
used.
[0046] In some examples, the pressure transducer 402 may be a 0-300
psi (0-20.69 bars) pressure transducer for fresh water service, or
a 0-600 psi (41.38 bars) for other applications. Other examples of
pressure transducers includes 0-300 psi, 0-500 psi, 0-600 psi, or
0-1000 psi pressure sensors for fresh water service, sea water/foam
service, or other service. Any ranges within or substantially
within those described for other pressure sensors may also be used,
and the high and low pressure settings may be independent of each
other. In one preferred arrangement, an analog voltage of 1-5 Vdc
corresponding to an associated pressure of 0-300 psi or 0-600 psi
will be presented to JP9 Pin 3 of the CPU board of the controller
404.
[0047] In one example, the pressure transducer 402 may be included
within an enclosure for the pump controller 404. In other examples,
the pressure transducer 402 is mounted outside the enclosure for
the pump controller and is operationally coupled to the pump
controller 404.
[0048] The pressure transducer 402 is operationally coupled to the
pump controller 404. The pump controller is configured to activate
the motor 410 of a pump to pump water through the water system. The
pump controller 404 may energize the contactor coupled directly to
the motor 410 so as to cycle the pump on and off and thereby pump
water through the fire protection system. This allows the
controller to maintain a predetermined pressure in the water system
and thereby prevent the undesired operation of a larger fire pump
within the overall fire pump installation system, such as the fire
pump installation system illustrated in FIG. 1. In example
embodiments, the pump controller 404 is a jockey pump controller,
and the motor 410 operates at least one jockey pump in a fire
protection system, such as the jockey pump 106 illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0049] The single-phase control transformer 408 provides low
voltage power to the control components of the pump controller 404.
As illustrated, the transformer 406 is coupled to each line of the
three-phase incoming line 408 on the load side of the motor
protector, and this incoming line may be a 200-600 Vac 50/60 Hz
line, and the transformer 406 converts the line voltage to about a
24 Vac control voltage for use by the pump controller 404, for
example. The three-phase incoming line 408 further powers the motor
410 of the pump, which may utilize the full line voltage for
starting. Full voltage can be applied to the motor 410 as soon as
the pump controller 404 is actuated.
[0050] Alternatively, the motor 410 can be started on the wye
connection that applies approximately 58% of full line voltage to
the motor 410. At the reduced voltage, the motor 410 develops
approximately 33% of normal starting torque and may draw
approximately 33% of normal starting current. After a time delay
(e.g., approximately 3.5 seconds), the motor 410 can be reconnected
in delta, applying full voltage to the motor 410, for example.
[0051] The pump controller 404 may comprise an electronic circuit
board 412, and optionally, an input/output (I/O) expansion board
414. The electronic circuit board 412 and/or the input/output (I/O)
expansion board 414 may be a microprocessor, or functions of the
electronic circuit board 412 and/or the input/output (I/O)
expansion board 414 may be performed by a microprocessor, for
example. The pump controller 404 can also include at least one
visual indicator for displaying the pressure set points, for
example. In one preferred arrangement, this pump controller 404
comprises a display module that is user accessible through a front
door of a controller enclosure.
[0052] Depending on a desired configuration of the water system,
the electronic circuit board 412 and/or the I/O expansion board 414
can be or include any type of processor including but not limited
to a microprocessor (.mu.P), a microcontroller (.mu.C), a digital
signal processor (DSP), or any combination thereof. The electronic
circuit board 412 and/or the I/O expansion board 414 can include
one or more levels of caching, a processor core, and registers. The
processor core can include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a
floating point unit (FPU), a digital signal processing core (DSP
Core), or any combination thereof. Preferably, the processor
comprises a TMS470-based CPU PCB.
[0053] The circuit board 412 receives an electronic signal from the
pressure transducer 402 indicating a pressure value, and compares
the pressure value to a set point for starting or stopping the
motor 410 and/or the jockey pump. The circuit board 412 may output
a pump run signal to the I/O expansion board 414, or alternatively,
may output a pump run signal to energize the motor contactor
coupled directly to the motor 410.
[0054] Importantly, the circuit board 412 may also receive inputs
from a digital communication interface 426. As just one example,
the circuit board 412 may receive inputs from a Modbus, a
controller area network bus (CAN bus), or some other serial
communications interface drivers 426. Other communicating interface
drivers may also be provided for communication with Modbus, Modbus
Ethernet, CAN, CANOpen, wireless Ethernet, DeviceNet, ProfiBus,
BACNet, ARCNet, ZigBee, Bluetooth, and other similar protocol
structures. Where the optional I/O expansion board 414 is provided,
the circuit board 412 may be coupled to the I/O expansion board 414
through a ribbon cable 415, for example.
[0055] The microprocessor based circuit board 412 may include or
have functions of a micro-processor 416, a memory 420, such as for
example, volatile memory (such as RAM), non-volatile memory (such
as ROM, flash memory, etc.), any combination thereof, or any type
of related computer storage media. The circuit board 412 may
further include a graphics display driver 422. This display driver
422 may be utilized to drive a display of the pump controller or to
drive an external display such as for a PC, laptop, video monitor,
television or other similar monitoring device. Such monitoring
devices may be provided locally at a location of the controller
(e.g., within a fire pump control room) or may be provided remotely
(e.g., at a remote monitoring station).
[0056] The circuit board 412 may further include a relay output 424
to operate pump run motor contactor (24 Vac). The circuit board 412
may further include a digital interface configured to provide
outputs, such as a pump running signal (24 Vac contacts) and remote
alarm signals such as fail to start, motor overload, phase failure,
phase reversal, and common alarm (24 Vac contacts) to the I/O
expansion board 414 or to a display, for example.
[0057] The circuit board 412 may further include an analog input
interface 428 configured to receive the analog signal (e.g., 1-5
Vdc) from the pressure transducer 402 to enable the circuit board
412 to compare the pressure value to a set point for starting or
stopping the motor 410, for example. The circuit board 412 may
further include a keypad interface 430 configured to receive inputs
from a graphical user interface (GUI), and a switching power supply
432 (e.g., 24 Vac input). Any of the functions or components of the
circuit board 412 may be combined as well.
[0058] The memory 420 may include stored software applications, and
the micro-processor 416 may be configured to access the memory 420
and execute one or more of the software applications stored
therein. The software applications may include processes for
receiving a pressure signal, comparing the pressure signal to at
least one set point value, and based on the comparison to make a
determination whether to start and/or stop the motor 410. The
software applications may further include processes as described
below in the flowchart of FIG. 6, for example.
[0059] The memory 420 may further be configured to store historical
events and/or real time operational conditions of the system 400.
For example, such data maintained for the system 400 could include
such operational information such as the operational conditions
that may occur to initiate or end operation of the motor 410. The
details may include pressure values received from the pressure
transducer 402, start and stop times of the motor 410, run-times of
the motor 410, alarms and on any of the lines of the three-phase
incoming line 408, for example. Any of the data may further include
date time-stamps to indicate a time the data was collected. In
other examples, the memory 420 may be configured to store a data
log of actions or events of the system 400 noting each event that
occurs and other related operating conditions related to an event.
Preferably, the data log may comprise a historical account of
cycling actions of the system 400, in particular, the cycling
actions of the jockey pump. Alternatively, the data log may
comprise a historical account of cycling actions of the system 400,
in particular, the cycling actions of the fire pump as well as the
jockey pump. In one another alternative configuration, the data log
may comprise a historical account of the various cycling actions
within the two or more maintenance pumps that may be included
within the pumping system. As just one example, the data log may
comprise a historical account of the various cycling actions within
the two or more jockey pumps that may be included within a fire
pumping system.
[0060] Because of its programmability, the microprocessor based
controller 404 may be programmed to operate in a plurality of
different operating modes. For example, as illustrated, the
controller 404 may comprise a Manual-Off-Auto (M-O-A) input module
401. This module may comprises a hardwire module comprising hard
wired M-O-A three position switch. Alternately, this
Manual-Off-Auto (M-O-A) input module may comprise a circuit
component of a soft touch operator key pad mounted to a door of the
controller enclosure.
[0061] As such, a first mode of operation of the pump controller
may comprise the OFF Mode. In this mode of operation, the M-O-A
switch would reside in an OFF position. In this mode of operation,
the controller 404 would inhibit or halt all control operations of
the motor 410, and hence the pump operationally coupled to the
motor 410. Importantly, a Program Update Mode for the controller
404 may also provided by the controller. The OFF Mode may also be
configured so that the controller 404 is permitted to receive
upgrades of controller firmware during a Program Update Mode.
Preferably, during this Program Update Mode, the controller 404 is
inhibited from pump operations.
[0062] In the Automatic Mode, the M-O-A switch will reside in an
Automatic position. In this position, the M-O-A switch places the
controller 404 under an automatic pressure control. In such a
control mode, the controller 404 will cycle the pump on and off
preferably between a programmable START pressure set point and a
STOP pressure set point. The programmable START and STOP set points
are ordinarily set well above those set points of the fire pump
START and STOP settings. As such, the controller 404 may be
operated such that the jockey pump is cycled to maintain pressure
against normal system leakage and thereby prevents the fire pump
from nuisance starting.
[0063] During this cycling operation while in the Automatic Mode of
operation, the jockey controller 404 can provide a feature of
recording certain data points under a variety of operating
conditions. As just one example, during pump controller operation,
pressure recordings may be provided at certain programmable times,
such as at every 15 seconds. Additionally, event recordings can
include the current pressure reading along with a date time stamp
so that a specific pressure that occurs at a specific time may be
recorded, stored and then later monitored or analyzed. In addition,
the controller can be configured to record pressure when an
excursion beyond a predefined pressure deviation, referred to as
.DELTA.P, has been measured. For example, the controller 404 can be
programmed so that it determines that the monitored pressure is
greater than 10 psi over a certain threshold pressure value.
Therefore, whenever the absolute value of the difference between
the present and last recorded pressure is greater than a certain
predetermined differential pressure value .DELTA.P (e.g., such as
10 psi), the new value of pressure is logged and recorded with a
date timestamp, and is stored as the last recorded value. The
.DELTA.P value is applied then in this manner to all monitored
pressure readings going forward in time.
[0064] If the controller 404 is in the Manual Mode of operation, as
illustrated in FIG. 4, the M-O-A switch will reside in the Manual
position. In Manual Mode, the controller 404 will start and stop
the motor 410 directly from the M-O-A module 401.
[0065] Preferably, the controller 404 may comprise a control
sequence that may be implemented by way of a software-based state
machine. In one preferred state machine arrangement, the state
machine comprises at least three states: an Idle, a Starting State,
and a Running State. For example, in the Idle State, the motor will
not be energized and hence the pump will not be running. However,
in one preferred operational arrangement, the state machine
monitors various discrete and measured data points to determine
whether conditions exist to advance the controller 404 to a
subsequent State, such as the Starting State.
[0066] During the Starting State, the control logic of the
microprocessor enabled controller 404 will account for timers
and/or configuration options that might be intended to delay or
inhibit a state transition.
[0067] The Starting State contains the logic associated with the
proper start up of the maintenance pump. A successful detection of
an active pump may cause the state to transition to the Running
State. Failure to start the pump or pumps will likewise be detected
and may result in certain alarm indications. As just one example, a
failure to start alarm may be declared if a 24 Vac signal is not
received from an auxiliary contact M 407 within a certain
predetermined time frame (e.g., within 1 second of energizing 1
CR).
[0068] In the Running State, the pump will be active. During the
Running State, the state machine can monitor various discrete and
measured data points to determine whether conditions exists to stop
the pump and, as such, advance the control to an Idle State. During
the Running State, the microprocessor based logic will also account
for any timers or configuration options intended to delay or
inhibit a state transition of the pump.
[0069] The controller 404 may also comprise a plurality of
programmable timers. In one controller arrangement, two types of
programmable timers may be provided: Control Sequence Timers and
Elapsed Timers. Preferably, the control sequence timers may
interact with the pump control state machine and may comprise
either an On Delay Timer or a Minimum Run Timer. The On Delay Timer
provides a type of sincerity test for system pressure in the AUTO
Mode. That is, this On Delay Timer can be used to guard against
nuisance activations of the pump due to pressure excursions such as
water hammer. The Minimum Run Timer may be used to specify a
minimum length of time the pump is kept running in the AUTO mode to
prevent short-cycling of the pump. Certain aspects of this AUTO
mode of controller operation was previously described. In this AUTO
mode, the controller can be programmed so that it can keep the pump
running until the minimum run timer has expired provided a STOP
pressure within the pump system has been reached (pressure
satisfied).
[0070] The Elapsed and/or Service Timers are used for data and
event logging purposes. For example, such Timers may comprise one
or more of the following:
TABLE-US-00001 Last Pump Run Timer Records the duration of the most
recent pump operation. This timer may be initiated when the pump is
started and terminated when the pump is stopped. Total Pump Run
Timer Records the cumulative duration of all pump running
operations. Total Unit Run Timer Records the cumulative duration of
time that the controller has been operations. Pressure Recording
Timer Manages the interval for logging measured pressure. Service
Message Timer Counts the weeks for scheduling the posting of a
message that service is due.
[0071] The I/O expansion board 414 may be coupled to the circuit
board 412 and may receive signals from the circuit board 412. The
I/O expansion board 414 may also receive user input signals, and
inputs from the three-phase incoming line 408 to monitor the phases
(e.g., phase L1 input (200-600 Vac), phase L2 input (200-600 Vac),
and phase L3 input (200-600 Vac)). The I/O Expansion Board converts
the incoming three-phase sinusoidal waveforms to digital square
waves which are output to circuit board 412 for phase failure and
phase reversal detection.
[0072] The I/O expansion board 414 may include mappable alarm
relays for a fail-to-start relay 430, phase failure alarm relay and
phase reversal alarm relay 440, and also for a motor overload relay
435, a switch mis-set alarm relay, an auto mode relay, a manual
mode relay, an off mode relay, a common alarm relay 445, and an
audible alarm relay, for example. Such relays may be operated by
the I/O expansion board 414 to perform functions of the relays, or
alternatively, may operate and provide output signals to the
circuit board 412. The relays may be or include any type of switch
or electrically operated switch, for example.
[0073] In some examples, the I/O expansion board 414 is configured
to provide additional processing capabilities for the circuit board
412, such as to receive additional inputs. The I/O expansion board
414 may further be configured to output two or more pump run
signals for operating two or more motors 410 on the three-phase
incoming line 408, such as by initializing the three-phase incoming
line 408 to provide power to motors 410 in duplex and triplex
multiple pumping systems. The I/O expansion board 414 may be
configured to instruct the one or two pump motors 410 to continue
to run until the I/O expansion board receives a signal from the
electronic circuit board 412 indicating that the pressure value is
satisfied (above the set point) and a minimum run timer has
expired, whichever occurs last, for example.
[0074] In yet another alternative arrangement, the I/O expansion
board 414 may comprise one or more programmable auxiliary analog
channels for tank level control applications. Alternatively, these
auxiliary analog channels may be used in pumping applications
comprising duplex or triplex Tank Fill and Discharge Pumping
Systems. These analog channels may be configured for either 15 Vdc
or 4-20 mA operation.
[0075] The pump controller 404 enables control of the jockey pump
through control of the motor 410. The pump controller 404 may
instruct the motor 410 (and the pump) to continue to run until a
pressure in the system returns to a normal level and a minimum run
timer has expired, whichever occurs last, for example. Operation of
the pump for a minimum run time using a run timer or delay may
prevent the jockey pump from being started too frequently
(short-cycling). An On-delay timer is provided to prevent
unnecessary starting of the jockey pump in case of erratic pressure
fluctuations.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
a pump controller system 500 configured to control a jockey pump to
maintain water pressure within a water system. In some examples,
the system 500 may include one or more functional or physical
components such as a microprocessor 502, a pressure transducer
interface 504, a 3-phase monitoring interface 506, a switching
power supply 508, a flash memory 510, a Modbus driver 512, a CAN
bus driver 514, I/O and relay drivers 516, an audible alarm 518,
and a display 520. One or more of the described functions or
physical components may be divided up into additional functional or
physical components, or combined into fewer functional or physical
components. In some further examples, additional functional and/or
physical components may be added to the examples illustrated by
FIG. 5.
[0077] The microprocessor 502 may be any type of processor
including but not limited to a microprocessor (.mu.P), a
microcontroller (.mu.C), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any
combination thereof. In some examples, the microprocessor 502 or
functions of the microprocessor 502 may be provided by multiple
processors.
[0078] The microprocessor 502 receives an analog input signal from
the pressure transducer interface 504 that can be interpreted as
indicating a value of a pressure in a water system. The signal may
be between 1V to 5V for 0-300 psi and 0-600 psi. In one example,
the microprocessor 502 interprets the signal to indicate a value of
a pressure.
[0079] The system may further comprise a phase monitoring
interface, such as a 3-phase monitoring interface 506. This phase
monitoring interface could be part of the I/O expansion board, part
of the CUP processor board, or alternatively could be a separate
component from the two. For example, the microprocessor 502 may
receive inputs from the 3-phase monitoring interface 506, which can
monitor a 3-phase power line (e.g., L1, L2, and L3) for detection
of phase failure and phase reversal. As just one example, the I/O
expansion board may provide half-wave rectification of the three
incoming phases and converts them to digital square wave signals
for input to the controller. These digital square wave signals may
be indicative of a power line characteristic such as supply
voltage, voltage phase, and voltage frequency. For example, based
in part on such digital square wave signals, the controller could
determines whether there is a valid supply line with all three
phases present, a correct phase rotation, and proper frequency.
[0080] The microprocessor 502 may be powered by the switching power
supply 508 that is configured to receive 24 Vac and output
appropriate voltage values to power components of the pump
controller 500, such as 5V, 3.3V, and 1V, for example.
[0081] The microprocessor 502 may communicate with the flash memory
510 (or other memory) to store operating conditions of the system
500, such as history codes or occurrences of operation of the pump
controller system 500, for example. The microprocessor 502 further
may output to a Modbus driver 512 and communicate with the CAN bus
driver 514 for serial network communications, for example. Serial
network communications may take place, for example, with a fire
pump controller or a local or remote PC.
[0082] The microprocessor 502 may further output to the I/O and
relay drivers 516 to provide signals for operating the drivers for
actuating the relays. The microprocessor 502 can also output to an
audible alarm 518, which can generate an audible alarm when certain
conditions arise.
[0083] The microprocessor 502 may further output to the display 520
to provide a visual indication of operation of the pump controller
system 500, for example.
[0084] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an illustrative embodiment of a
method 600 of jockey pump controller operation and data logging
such operation. It should be understood that for this and other
processes and methods disclosed herein, the flowchart shows
functionality and operation of one possible implementation of
present embodiments, such as the microcontroller 404 illustrated in
FIG. 4. In this regard, each block may represent a module, a
segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more
instructions executable by a processor for implementing specific
logical functions or steps in the process. The program code may be
stored on any type of computer readable medium, for example, such
as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. The computer
readable medium may include non-transitory computer readable
medium, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores
data for short periods of time like register memory, processor
cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium
may also include non-transitory media, such as secondary or
persistent long term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical
or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for
example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile
or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may
be considered a computer readable storage medium, for example, or a
tangible storage device.
[0085] In addition, each block in FIG. 6 may represent circuitry
that is wired to perform the specific logical functions in the
process. Alternative implementations are included within the scope
of the example embodiments of the present disclosure in which
functions may be executed out of order from that shown or
discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order,
depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by
those reasonably skilled in the art.
[0086] Initially, as shown at block 602, a pressure signal is
received. For example, a jockey pump controller may receive a
pressure signal that indicates a magnitude of water pressure within
a fire protection system, such as the system illustrated in FIG. 1.
The pressure signal may indicate the pressure of water within a
water line that couples to a fire pump. The pressure signal may
indicate the magnitude, or alternatively, may indicate that the
pressure is above or below the set points, for example.
[0087] The jockey pump controller may include memory, and thus, the
method may optionally include the jockey pump controller storing
the pressure signal, as shown at block 604. Aside from the pressure
signal, the jockey pump controller may also store other data
associated with this pressure signal such as the date and time the
pressure signal was received, line voltage data at the time such
data was received, the mode of jockey pump operation at the time
such data was received, the mode of fire pump and/or fire pump
controller operation at the time such data was received, as well as
other related data. As those of skill in the art will recognize,
other fire pumping system data could also be identified,
characterized and stored as well.
[0088] Next, the jockey pump controller determines if the pressure
is below a predetermined or pre-programmed set point, as shown at
block 606. If the pressure is not below a set point, the controller
will determine that the pressure in the water line is at an
acceptable level and that the jockey pump will not be started, as
shown at block 608. An example threshold level may be between 0-600
psi. However, a typical setting may be 155 psi in a 175 psi rated
piping system.
[0089] The jockey pump controller may be configured to start and
stop the jockey pump based on pressure settings with 1 psi
differential, for example. A higher or lower resolution of pressure
settings can also be programmed.
[0090] When the pressure signal indicates a pressure below the
threshold level, the jockey pump controller next determines if an
on-delay time has expired, as shown at block 610. For example, the
jockey pump controller may be programmed to initialize the jockey
pump prior to running the pump coupled to the water line.
Alternatively, the jockey pump controller may be programmed to wait
a predetermined time before starting the pump as a low pressure
sincerity check in case of erratic changes or fluctuations (the
on-delay timer is reset if pressure returns above the stop set
point). Therefore, an on-delay timer may be initiated upon an
indication that the pressure signal is below a set point. Exemplary
on-delay times may range from approximately 0-60 seconds with a
typical setting being on the order of 5 seconds.
[0091] If pressure goes above STOP setting during on-delay 613, on
delay is cancelled. However, after expiration of the on-delay time
and if the pressure is not above STOP setting, as shown at block
612, the method may optionally include a step of initiating an
alarm. This step is shown at block 614. Any number of alarms or
alarm messages may be provided, such as for example, a pump running
alarm, run timer on, low voltage, high voltage, voltage imbalance,
motor overload, failure to start, low line frequency, high line
frequency, communications failure on power monitor, communications
failure on pressure monitor, and other operational related alarms.
An alarm condition may cause an alarm message to be displayed by
the jockey pump controller, and/or activation of an audible alarm.
In the event of multiple alarms, alarm messages may scroll on a
display of the jockey pump controller. Additional or alternative
alarms can be provided including a phase failure alarm relay, a
phase reversal alarm relay, fail-to-start alarm relay, motor
overload alarm relay, or switch mis-set alarm relay, for
example.
[0092] The jockey pump controller may run the pump, as shown at
block 616, after expiration of the on-delay time, if provided.
Operation of the pump through its check valve 121 will tend to
increase the pressure of water in the main water line. The jockey
pump controller may receive additional signals indicating a new
pressure of the water line, and once the pressure is above the set
point and if a minimum run-time has expired, pump operation is
ended, as shown by blocks 618, 620, and 622. The pump may have a
minimum run time so that the pump is run for a minimum amount of
time to prevent short-cycling of operation of the pump, for
example. The minimum run time may also prevent too frequent
automatic starting of the jockey pump motor, and may be set to keep
the jockey pump in operation for at least one minute, for example.
Minimum run times, and on-delay times, may alternatively be removed
from the method in other examples.
[0093] Exemplary pressure threshold level (or range of pressures)
at which the jockey pump may be turned off may be approximately
0-600 psi where a typical setting might be approximately 175 psi in
a 175 psi rated piping system.
[0094] Exemplary minimum run time ranges may be on the order of
approximately 0-180 seconds with a typical setting being on the
order of approximately 10 seconds.
[0095] The jockey pump controller may be further be configured to
initiate or run the pump in instances in which the pressure signal
is below a set point for a specified or predetermined amount of
time. For example, the jockey pump controller may receive a
pressure signal (as shown at block 602) every minute, on a
continuous basis, or at predetermined intervals, and once the
pressure is below the threshold for the specified amount of time,
the jockey pump controller may then initiate operation of the pump.
The jockey pump controller can access stored pressure signals so as
to determine a length of time for which the pressure is below a set
point. Such operation data regarding pump cycling history can be
stored in the controller memory and may be accessible for later
analysis and review.
[0096] In addition, the jockey pump controller may be further
configured to end pump operation in instances in which the pressure
signal is above a set point for a specified or predetermined amount
of time. For example, the jockey pump controller may receive a
pressure signal (as shown at block 602) every minute, on a
continuous basis, or at predetermined intervals. Once the
controller determines that the pressure is above the threshold for
the specified amount of time (which may include an instantaneous
amount of time), the jockey pump controller may then end operation
of the pump.
[0097] One advantage of Applicants' proposed jockey pump
controller, unlike the prior art controller illustrated and
described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, is that it can be
configured to acquire event statistics, as shown at block 624. The
event statistics may indicate pump system details of the system
before, during, and/or after operation of the jockey pump. Indeed,
such pump controller may be configured to acquire such even
statistics even if the jockey pump has not been operated. For
example, event statistics may include recent historical events,
such as an indication of when the jockey pump was operated, a
run-time of the jockey pump (e.g., length of duration), a run time
of the fire pump, etc. Event statistics may further include an
indication for why the pressure level in the water main fell below
the set point level. For example, the jockey pump controller may
receive additional signals from other sensors in the system
indicating that a sprinkler was triggered, a leak was present, or a
valve was opened, for example, resulting in a low pressure
condition in the water main that triggered operation of the jockey
pump. Additional event statistics/historical codes may also include
alarms as well.
[0098] Although illustrated as block 624, the jockey pump
controller may also acquire event statistics of any details of the
system at any time during the method of FIG. 6. For example,
pressure signal information is acquired initially (as shown at
block 602), and at that time, any of the details described above
may also be acquired. Further, when acquiring event statistics,
time stamps may be associated with the acquired data to log the
event statistics in a historical data log.
[0099] Therefore, the jockey pump controller may be configured to
have data acquisition capability, and preferably provides a
historical data log stored or accessed via a RS-485 data port, for
example. In addition, the jockey pump controller may include a
printer or other recorder, and operational and alarm events,
including system pressure, may be recorded on the printer, for
example. The printer/recorder may be configured in a standby-run
dual mode operation. In standby, the printer prints a time-stamped
system pressure every 30 minutes, for example, and any alarm
condition as occurred. In the run mode, the recorder prints a
time-stamped call-to-run event followed by system pressure in 15
second intervals and alarm events as occurred. Information may also
be stored in memory. Additional information may be recorded and
logged, such as RMS motor voltage and current, horsepower and
voltage of the motor, other time-stamped voltage, current, phase,
frequency and alarm data for field access. In addition, the jockey
pump controller may further be configured to analyze the event
statistics.
[0100] FIG. 7A illustrates an example jockey pump controller 700
with electronic controls and a motor power train housed in an
enclosure 702, such as a fibreglass enclosure for example. The
enclosure 702 may include electronic controls such as a digital
pressure transducer and a graphical user interface (GUI) operated
by a CPU board, for example.
[0101] An I/O Expansion Board board may also be coupled to the CPU
board to provide additional features, such as phase monitoring and
remote alarm contacts, for example.
[0102] The enclosure 702 may be but not limited to about 12-24
inches in width by about 15-18 inches in height. The motor power
train may include a manual motor protector coupled to a motor
contactor that is controlled by the CPU board, for example. The
motor power train may have a short-circuit rating of about 18
kA-200 kA @ 480 Vac, and horsepower (HP) ratings of about 1/2-7.5 @
240V, 1/2-15 @ 480V, 1/2-20 @ 600V, 20 HP and above @ 480V, and/or
10 HP and above @ 240V, for example.
[0103] A user interface 704 can be mounted on a door of the
enclosure 702. Preferably, this user interface 704 may be visible
to an operator through a sealed window, for example. A door
interlocked disconnect 740 and a hardwired M-O-A switch 750 may
also be provided.
[0104] As illustrated, this exemplary user interface 704 comprises
a multiple key user keypad 710, a display 720, and a plurality of
LEDs 730. For example, the user interface 704 may comprises seven
key user soft touch operator devices for screen navigation and
parameter configuration. As illustrated, these seven soft touch
operator pads comprise an up key, a down key, a left key, a right
key, a ESC (escape) key, an ENT (enter) key and an Alarm/Silence
key.
[0105] As illustrated, the keypad 704 further comprises a display
720. Such a display may be used to display certain screens during
navigation and may also be used to display certain parameter
configuration data. Preferably, this display comprises a
128.times.64 monochrome dot matrix display. The display preferably
comprises user adjustable LED backlighting. The three LEDS 730
provided by the interface may be used to indicate: Power On, Alarm,
and Pump Running.
[0106] In one preferred arrangement, assembly of the interface 704
may be constructed so as to pivot away from the door of the
enclosure 702 so that the interface 704 is visible with the
enclosure door in an open position, for example. This provides an
advantage of monitoring the operation or historical data of the
jockey pump while the enclosure door is either closed or open and
without having to remove power from the controller or stop
operation of the system.
[0107] In one arrangement, the display 704 may have a two line,
digital display plus LED indicators for controller operating and
alarm functions (e.g., such as power on, pump running, and alarm),
for example.
[0108] In a standby mode, the display 720 of the user interface 704
shows system pressure (in psi, for example), and optionally time
and date in universal coordinated time (UTC), which allows for
event recording against an international standard, for example. The
display 720 may be configured to also show local time and data,
simultaneous RMS voltage and current for each phase, frequency, and
minimum and maximum measurement of voltage, current, frequency and
pressure, for example. In a run mode, the display 704 may display
an elapsed timer indicating an amount of time that the pump has
been operating, for example.
[0109] The display 720 may display additional fire pump system
information, such as, for example, historical data and events. The
display 720 may further display a graphical user interface (GUI) to
enable a user to access controls or stored information of the
jockey pump controller 700.
[0110] As just one example, FIG. 8 illustrates one type of
graphical user interface 760 that may be operated by a
microprocessor, such as the microprocessor contained on the CPU
board illustrated in FIG. 4. The GUI includes a home screen, such
as the home screen illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustrated, this home
screen 760 may comprise seven lines of pump system information that
can be monitored so as to view the operation and historical data.
For example, the first two items of the home screen 762, 764 may be
used to monitor the control status of the controller and the
current pressure of the system being monitored. The third and
fourth lines 766, 768 of the home screen 760 may comprise user
defined or preselected information. Such user defined or selectable
data that could be displayed could include, but is not limited to
start pressure, stop pressure, total pump run time (e.g.,
determined by way of an elapsed timer), number of pump cycles,
number of pump cycles per hour, number of pump cycles per day,
number of pump cycles per month, or the number of pump cycles
captured in a programmable pre-defined date-time interval. In
addition, the home screen 760 may also be used to indicate, for
example, in the fifth line 770 of the home screen, the position of
manual-off-auto (M-O-A) switch position. The next line 772 may be
used to monitor the active alarms and/or status indication. Line 7
may be used to monitor date and time or status of an active running
timer. And the last line 776 may be used to monitor a secondary
status area. For example, a secondary status area may be used to
provide additional information to the user on the Control Status
(e.g., addition diagnostic information in the case of a certain
faults)
[0111] The GUI may also be used to access certain main menus and
submenus whereby such menus may be manipulated to allow a user to
program the operational control of the controller. For example,
FIG. 11 illustrates one layout of a main menu 1200 for use with the
GUI illustrated in FIG. 8A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11,
the GUI may be manipulated to access a main menu 1200. Once in this
main menu, certain sub-menus may be accessed. For example, in one
Main Menu arrangement, five different submenus 1210, 1220, 1230,
1240, and 1250 may be accessed through the GUI.
[0112] For example, a first Settings sub-menu 1210 may be accessed.
As illustrated, this sub-menu 1212 allows a user access to various
other submenus including a submenu for System Setup 1212, Data and
Time 1214, Timers 1216, Pressure 1218, and Features 1219. One or
more of these submenus may be locked out by the manufacturer or
password protected.
[0113] The System Setup sub-menu 1212 of the Setting sub-menu 1210
is further illustrated in FIG. 12. As illustrated, this Settings
submenu 1210 could allow access to various sub-menus including a
Display menu 1270, a Language and Units menu 1272, a Date and Time
submenu 1274, a Data Communications setup menu 1276, a CAN Bus menu
1278, and a Passwords menu 1280. The Display Menu 1270 could allow
user access to controls for the brightness, contrast, invert or
keyboard timeout features of the display. The Language and Units
Sub-Menu 1272 could allow user access to the language used in the
text and measuring units for the temperature and pressure settings
of the controller. The Date and Time submenu 1274 could allow user
access to the time, date and daylight savings settings of the
controller. The Data Communications setup menu 1276 could allow
user access to the port assignment, slave setup, and master setup
features of the controller. The CAN Bus submenu 1278 could allow
user access to the enable, address and baud setup features of the
controller. And the Password menu may be used to prevent multiple
levels of password protection to prevent unauthorized
manipulation.
[0114] As previously discussed, the controller comprises a data
storage device (e.g., non-volatile storage) for storing certain
relevant operational data. For example, the controller may comprise
a data storage device (e.g., a non-volatile chronologically sorted
event log with a FIFO storage capacity) for storing certain event
data.
[0115] Returning to FIG. 11, this operational data may be
accessible by way of an Event Log submenu 1220 or a Data History
submenu 1230. The event log is a FIFO list of date time stamped
events (3000) containing pressure readings, starts, stops, alarms,
and other occurrences. The pressure reading as the only embedded
variable. Pressure events are recorded hour when the pump is not
running and every 15 seconds when the pump is running. Pressure
readings can also be controlled by .DELTA.P. Data history basically
consists of 1) registers accumulating numbers of calls, starts,
cycles, total elapsed controller run time, total elapsed motor run
time, last motor run time, etc. It also consists of some key events
from the event log that are captured and stored for user
convenience such as last pump start, last phase failure, last phase
reversal, minimum pressure and maximum pressure. Both submenus may
be accessible by way of the main menu GUI 1200. In one preferred
arrangement, the Data History sub-menu 1230 allows the user to have
access to certain historical data as to the operation and control
of the jockey pump. Such information could include, but is not
limited to data related to the following:
TABLE-US-00002 Call to Start A low pressure event Starts A call to
start followed by a successful start of the pump. A successful
start is qualified by the receipt of a "motor on" feedback signal
from the auxiliary contact of the motor contactor. Pump Total Run
Time Maintains a cumulative count of the total elapsed time that
the controller has been in service. Most Recent Run Time Maintains
the runtime duration from the most recent pup activation.
Controller Run Time Increases every time the pump is automatically
called to start due to a drop in pressure below the START pressure.
Last Pump Start Date and time stamp of last pump start. Minimum
Pressure This data set maintains the minimum pressure measured.
Maximum Pressure This data set maintains the maximum pressure
measured. Last Phase Failure Date and time stamp of last phase
failure. Last Phase Reversal Date and time stamp of last phase
reversal.
[0116] Importantly, certain jockey pump cycle data history may also
be accessed via the serial communications interface on the CPU
board as well. Such jockey pump cycle data history could also
include one or more of the following:
TABLE-US-00003 Number of Cycles Number of pump cycles run Number of
Cycles Per Hour Average number of pump cycles per hour. Number of
Cycles Per Day Average number of pump cycles per day. Number of
Cycles Per Month Average number of pump cycles per month. Number of
Cycles Captured User settable. In a pre-determined time interval
Reset Cycle Counter Resets or clears register for cycle
counter.
[0117] The enclosure 702 is further shown including a
manual-off-auto soft key that may be configured to operate the
jockey pump or jockey pump controller, for example. The enclosure
702 may include a disconnect switch that is mechanically
interlocked with the jockey pump controller 700 so that the
enclosure 702 cannot be opened with the handle in the ON position
except by override mechanisms, for example.
[0118] FIG. 8A-B illustrate an example electronic control board
assembly 800. In FIG. 8A, a front view of the electronic control
board assembly 800 is shown and includes a display 802, such as the
display 704 shown in FIG. 7, for example. The display 802 is
configured to provide digital display of operating conditions, time
and date. The display 802 may be programmed to provide additional
information. Time can be retained and displayed in UTC. The display
802 can also provide display of simultaneous RMS voltage and
current for all three phases of line voltage, frequency, system
pressure, minimum and maximum voltage, current, frequency and
pressure, for example.
[0119] FIG. 8B illustrates an example rear view of the electronic
circuit board assembly 800. A rear view of the electronic circuit
board assembly 800 illustrates a view opposite the display 802.
Opposite the display 802, the electronic circuit board 800 includes
a CPU board 804. The CPU board 804 may be the same as or similar to
the circuit board 412 of FIG. 4 or the microprocessor 502 of FIG.
5, for example. The CPU board 804 may include a microprocessor 806
and may also include a coupling 808 to an I/O expansion board
(e.g., such as the I/O expansion board 414 shown in FIG. 4).
[0120] The CPU board 804 may be directly mounted on a backside of
the display 802, for example. Alternatively, the CPU board 804 and
the display 802 may be individually coupled to the electronic
circuit board assembly 800.
[0121] FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of another I/O
expansion board 900. The I/O expansion board 900 may be the same as
or operate similar to the I/O expansion board 414 shown in FIG. 4.
The I/O expansion board may be used to expand the input and output
capabilities of the controller by providing a plurality of user
inputs and a plurality of user outputs. In one preferred expansion
board arrangement, the board will have provisions for two
additional analog channels and three-phase monitoring. The I/O
expansion board 900 may couple to a CPU board using a ribbon 902.
As illustrated, K1 through K8 are form C relays, i.e. a common
contact, a normally-open contact and a normally-closed contact. The
I/O expansion board 902 may be a DIN-rail mounted I/O expansion
board, for example.
[0122] FIG. 10 is an example expanded view of an electronic circuit
board 1000. The electronic circuit board assembly 1000 includes a
bezel 1002 covering a membrane assembly 1004 that is configured to
have openings for LED indicators and a digital display, for
example. The membrane 1004 couples to a mounting plate 1006. A CPU
board 1008 couples to the mounting plate 1006, and a protective
cover 1010 may hold or surround the CPU board 1008, for example.
The electronic circuit board assembly 1000 may be the same or
similar to the electronic circuit board 800, for example, and
includes a display within the membrane layer 1004 and the CPU board
1008 on an opposite side of the membrane 1004. As just one example,
the soft touch user interface 704 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be
provided within the membrane 1004.
[0123] By providing user access to such a soft touch user interface
704 in a sealed membrane and on the cover of the controller
enclosure provides certain advantages. First, it makes a user's
interaction with the controller programmability as simple,
efficient, and electrically safe, as possible as access to the
internal of the enclosure is not required. As such, the enclosure
door need not be opened to either program operation of the
controller or access internal CPU. In addition, power to the
enclosure device can still be maintained during controller
programming. In addition, and as described above, event history and
data logging may be viewed as well. Second, by providing the user
interface in a sealed door mounted membrane, such as the membrane
1004 illustrated in FIG. 10, certain overall ratings of the entire
enclosure may be achieved. For example, by sealing the user
interface, the overall enclosure may provide the controller to be
installed in environments requiring that the enclosure be built to
certain varying NEMA standards. Such standards may include NEMA 2,
3R (rain tight weatherproof), 4 (watertight), 4X (corrosion
resistant coating, watertight) or 12 (dust tight, drip tight
enclosure) installations where the enclosure might be susceptible
to harsher environments. Therefore, as those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize, providing a maintenance pump controller in
a large number of optional enclosures reduces overall installation
costs since such enclosures may now be directly mounted within more
difficult pump room environments rather than having to be mounted
remotely from the actually maintenance pump. As such, installation
costs are reduced since additional wiring and cabling and conduit
installation is not required. In addition, having the controller in
close proximity to the actually maintenance pump also provides
certain maintenance advantages where the actual operation of the
pump may be witnessed while being operated by the controller.
[0124] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications
and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and
scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of
the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to
fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present
disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
* * * * *